By nearly every account, he is the best player in a loaded draft despite the red flags from a lackluster junior season. Clowney's showings at the scouting combine and his pro day have diminished lingering questions about his intangibles. The Texans are obviously in the market for a quarterback but can get a quality prospect atop the second round if they don't trade out of the No.1 slot first.

He's a dominant blocker who could start on the right side before succeeding Jake Long on the blind side in a year or two. But St.Louis could go in several directions, and this pick also could be an attractive trade target.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

His hellbent style would be a short-term asset for an offense not exactly flush with talent. Pocket maturity can come as the Jags add talent around Manziel, who surely would be a shot in the arm for a franchise that hasn't generated much excitement on or off the field.

4. Cleveland Browns - Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

Their quarterback need is obvious, but the Browns will have several opportunities to get one, including later in Round1. No reason to pass up a talent such as Watkins, considering what he and the rest of an impressive offensive core could do to support a young passer.

5. Oakland Raiders - Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M

His size and speed would be immediate assets for a team that is pushing hard to return to relevance in 2014. Pairing Evans with James Jones would give new QB Matt Schaub a suddenly respectable pair of targets.

Teaming this 6-4, 250-pounder with super-sized WR Vincent Jackson would give new QB Josh McCown a tandem somewhat similar to the big-bodied duo he enjoyed last year with the Chicago Bears (WRs Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery) when he was one of the league's most efficient passers.

8. Minnesota Vikings - Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida

While Matt Cassel starts at quarterback this season, offensive coordinator Norv Turner can ready Bortles to eventually trigger a potentially explosive attack.

9. Buffalo Bills - Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M

He would make a nice tackle combo with Cordy Glenn, regardless of who plays on which side.

10. Detroit Lions - Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State

This team could use a physical cornerback in a division teeming with talented wideouts.

11. Tennessee Titans - Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville

Ken Whisenhunt's offense is predicated on timing and accuracy, perhaps Bridgewater's best attribute. His skill set appears to be a much better fit than that of incumbent Jake Locker, who could be a free agent in 2015.

12. New York Giants - Taylor Lewan, T, Michigan

GM Jerry Reese has been busy rebuilding his offensive line. QB Eli Manning threw a career-worst 27 interceptions in 2013 and was sacked a career-high 39 times. Better blocking should improve both figures.

13. Rams - Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville

A physical force who's perfectly tailored for the bruising NFC West and a player sure to be a favorite of coach Jeff Fisher.

14. Chicago Bears - Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh

This defense thrives with linemen such as Donald who can penetrate the gaps while allowing the linebackers to lay back.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers - Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State

He has all the tools but will have to get more physical to excel in Dick LeBeau's defense. Gilbert's return skills are a nice bonus.

16. Dallas Cowboys - Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama

A defense designed to generate turnovers probably would produce far more with a playmaking center fielder.

17. Baltimore Ravens - Zack Martin, OT, Notre Dame

The versatile lineman could start right away at the right tackle spot vacated by Michael Oher.

18. New York Jets - Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State

He can line up outside or in the slot, and Cooks' speed would make him a nice complement to recently signed WR Eric Decker.

19. Miami Dolphins - Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia

Signing LT Branden Albert was a boost to Miami's O-line, but there's still plenty of work to do.

20. Arizona Cardinals - Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA

Even if the Cards get another 11 1/2-sack year out of John Abraham, they need pass-rushing depth and youth.

21. Green Bay Packers - C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama

A rangy playmaker with natural leadership skills, a combination the Pack haven't had since cutting Charles Woodson.

22. Philadelphia Eagles - Louis Nix, NT, Notre Dame

A relentless player who would be perfect for a defense that requires an anchor in the middle.

23. Kansas City Chiefs - Odell Beckham, WR, LSU

Dwayne Bowe needs a wingman to be more effective, so why not add a fellow Bayou Bengal who could add pep to a passing attack that lost Dexter McCluster?

24. Cincinnati Bengals - Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

Cincy's top three corners will be at least 30 this season, and Leon Hall is coming off Achilles reconstruction. And despite its outdated rep, the AFC North has a lot of pass-happy teams.

25. San Diego Chargers - Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State

No team needs capable cornerbacks more than the Bolts.

26. Browns (from Indianapolis Colts) - Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State

Cleveland could wait until pick No.35 for a new arm, but Brian Hoyer is obviously not the long-term solution at quarterback.

27. New Orleans Saints - Dee Ford, DE, Auburn

His burst and lack of size (6-2, 252 pounds) make him an obvious candidate to convert to outside linebacker. Matt Ryan and Cam Newton beware.

28. Carolina Panthers - Marqise Lee, WR, Southern California

The receiver cupboard in Carolina is almost completely bare.

29. New England Patriots - Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State

A sensible choice with Vince Wilfork's time with the team seemingly winding down.

30. San Francisco 49ers - Ra'Shede Hageman, DL, Minnesota

D-line coach Jim Tomsula needs fresh bodies and will wring the most from talented Hageman.

31. Denver Broncos - Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State

Versatile and athletic, he would bring yet another dimension to a suddenly diverse defense.

32. Seattle Seahawks - Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri

Not a bad consolation prize for a D-line that lost out on Jared Allen in free agency but needs depth to operate at peak efficiency.